Nadal pushed all the way

Rafael Nadal dropped a set before finally overcoming Ernests Gulbis to reach the final of the Rome Masters.

Spanish ace taken to three sets by Gulbis

Spanish ace Rafael Nadal was pushed all the way by Ernests Gulbis before reaching the final of the Rome Masters on Saturday. The world number three dropped his first set of the tournament before overcoming the Latvian 6-4 3-6 6-4 to remain on course for a fifth title in Italy. The Spanish player needed two hours and 47 minutes to get the better of Gulbis, who beat world number one and French Open champion Roger Federer earlier this week. The Spaniard took a hard-fought opener before the big-serving Latvian, who fired down 14 aces to none from the Spaniard, eventually converted a break point to level the match. But Gulbis, who had seven break points throughout the match, was firmly on the back foot in the decider. The Latvian saved four break points at 2-3 before saving another at 3-4 with a big first serve out wide which Nadal returned long. But he fell behind 0-40 on his next service game, no longer able to run down his opponent's drop shots, and succumbed on Nadal's first match point. The Spaniard will now face compatriot David Ferrer in Sunday's showpiece after the 13th seed beat Fernando Verdasco 7-5 6-3.